Reference intake used on labels to present the content of selected nutrients. The NRV percentage shows how the amount of a given ingredient relates to the value used for labeling. It is not an individual recommendation or upper safe limit. The lack of an established NRV for a plant extract does not mean that it can be taken in any amount.
Common reference point on the label
A Reference Intake helps to represent the amount of a vitamin or mineral in relation to an established label value. It is not the result of a specific user's research or his/her personal prescription. For example, half the reference value corresponds to 50% of the RWS if both numbers refer to the same ingredient. The percentage does not describe absorption and does not indicate the share of the substance in the mass of the capsule. RWS is not provided for many plant substances because it is not an appropriate indicator for every material.
The reference value is not an upper safe limit and does not mean that the higher the percentage, the better the choice. These are separate issues. In the case of several preparations, it is helpful to list the total amounts of the same vitamin or element, instead of separately assessing each percentage on the front of the packaging.
Meaning and application
NRV is a reference point for determining the content of selected ingredients. It is not an assessment of product quality or an individual supplementation recommendation. The percentage should be read together with the ingredient name, quantity and serving basis on the label.
In practice
Compare same ingredients and same servings. Then check whether they are also present in other preparations you use. Do not add percentages of different vitamins and minerals to one common indicator of the effectiveness of the entire supplement.
A high percentage does not automatically mean a better match. The lack of NRV for another ingredient does not confirm its unimportance or the need to determine the quantity yourself. When in doubt regarding use, take into account your diet and obtain appropriate individual advice.